Auxiliary signal synchronization for closed captioning insertion

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus and/or method included in or embodied as a television signal receiver synchronizes auxiliary data with an auxiliary video output signal for appropriately inserting closed captioning into the auxiliary video signal. In one form, the television signal receiver correlates a main video signal with the auxiliary video signal in order to ascertain when and/or where to insert the auxiliary data in to the auxiliary video signal. In an exemplary manner, the field information between a video portion of a main television signal and a video portion of an auxiliary output television signal is tracked for determining field inversion between the two. Through the determination of field inversion between the video portion of the main television signal and the video portion of the auxiliary output television signal, auxiliary data such as closed caption, extended data service and the like, is provided to (inserted in) an auxiliary television signal output in a sequence proper for the sequence of video data being provided thereto. Proper sequencing of the auxiliary data allows the auxiliary data to be provided appropriately with the auxiliary video portion of the television signal to the auxiliary television signal output. Additionally, the system, method and/or apparatus provides a field delay if a deinterlacer is used (i.e. to produce a signal suitable for progressive scan images).

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims the benefit ofand/or priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/375,194 filed Apr. 24, 2002 entitled “Aux Signal Clock Sync For CCInsertion” both of which are commonly assigned.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns television signal processing and, moreparticularly, concerns a system, method and/or apparatus that isoperative to correlate auxiliary information of a television signal toan auxiliary video output signal.

2. Background Information

Current televisions typically include an auxiliary output that allows auser to connect a device thereto that utilizes the television signalsreceived by the television. The device thus utilizes the audio and videosignals of the television signal. As is known in the art, in addition tothe normal audio and video information or data contained in a televisionsignal, a television signal may also contain what is known as auxiliaryinformation or data. Such auxiliary information typically includes, butis not limited to, teletext data, closed caption data, extended dataservice (XDS) data, and the like. Heretofore, the auxiliary data haseither not been provided to the auxiliary output with the audio andvideo data or has only been sporadically provided to the auxiliaryoutput with the audio and video data.

Moreover, as is known in the art, the video portion of a televisionsignal is provided in fields of information, with two fieldsconstituting a frame. In what is known as an interfaced format, thefirst field is provided to a display and then the second field isprovided to the display that is interlaced into the first field. In whatis known as a progressive mode, the two fields are providedsimultaneously (i.e. line by line) to a display. According toconvention, the auxiliary data is provided in particular lines of thefirst and second fields.

In one form, auxiliary data includes or constitutes what is known asclosed caption data. Closed caption data provides text for the audioportion of the television signal that is displayable on a display forthe aid of hearing impaired individuals. Because this information issequential in nature, it is essential that the closed caption data fromthe first field be presented before the closed caption data from thesecond field. Otherwise, if the data is not provided in the correctorder, the displayed text will be out of order, be nonsensical, and thusdefeat the purpose of aiding the hearing impaired.

When closed caption data is output to an auxiliary output using avertical interrupt of the main display, there could be a differencebetween the auxiliary and main field information. Sometimes, then fieldinversion can exist between the main output and the auxiliary output,causing the problem that first field data may be output to the secondfield and vice versa. For the video portion of the television signal,this may not be a problem. However, for auxiliary information such asclosed caption data or extended data service (XDS) data, if the field ischanged, i.e. the auxiliary information is in an incorrect field,correct extraction of the closed caption and XDS data cannot occur.

It is thus evident from the above that there is a need for correctlyinserting auxiliary information (e.g. closed caption and/or XDS data)from a received television signal into an auxiliary video signal in atelevision signal receiver.

It is thus further evident from the above that there is a need forsynchronizing auxiliary data with an auxiliary video output signal in atelevision signal receiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system, apparatus and/or method embodied as or in a television signalreceiver, synchronizes auxiliary data of a television signal with anauxiliary video signal derived from the television signal and providedto an auxiliary output of the television signal receiver, in order toallow proper display of the auxiliary data with the auxiliary videosignal.

In one form, there is provided a method of inserting auxiliary data intoan auxiliary video signal in a television signal receiver. The methodincludes the steps of: (a) receiving a television signal having a videocomponent and an auxiliary data component; (b) processing the televisionsignal to obtain a main video signal and an auxiliary video signal fromthe video component; (c) processing the television signal to extractauxiliary data from the auxiliary data component; (d) synchronizing theextracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizing themain video signal; and (e) outputting the synchronized auxiliary datawith the auxiliary video signal to an auxiliary output of the televisionsignal receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a television systemincorporating a television signal receiver in accordance with theprinciples of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a representation of the video component of a televisionsignal;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary television signal receiver inaccordance with the principles of the subject invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of synchronizing auxiliarydata with an auxiliary video signal in a television signal receiver inaccordance with the principles of the subject invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of detecting fieldinversion, particularly an interrupt routine for checking the phase ofthe auxiliary display signal with respect to the main display signalusing the main display interrupt according to one aspect of the subjectinvention, particularly to synchronize the auxiliary video output signalwith respect to the main video signal in order to appropriately insertauxiliary information into the auxiliary video output signal; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of outputting closedcaption data (i.e. auxiliary information/data) with respect to thecorrect field in accordance with another aspect of the subjectinvention, particularly in order to insert the closed caption data intothe auxiliary video output signal.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A system, apparatus and/or method embodied as or in a television signalreceiver according to the principles of the subject invention,synchronizes auxiliary data of a television signal with an auxiliaryvideo signal derived from the television signal and provided to anauxiliary output of the television signal receiver, in order to allowproper display of the auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal.According to one aspect of the subject invention, the television signalreceiver tracks field information between a video portion of a maintelevision signal (i.e. a main video signal) and a video portion of anauxiliary output television signal (i.e. an auxiliary video signal) fordetermining field inversion between the two video signals. Through thedetermination of field inversion between the main video signal and theauxiliary video signal for the auxiliary output television signal,auxiliary data such as closed caption, extended data service and thelike, is provided to an auxiliary television signal output in a sequenceproper for the sequence of video data being provided thereto. Propersequencing of the auxiliary data allows the auxiliary data to beprovided appropriately with the auxiliary video portion of thetelevision signal to the auxiliary television signal output.Additionally, the system, method and/or apparatus provides a field delayif a deinterlacer is used (i.e. to produce a signal suitable forprogressive scan images).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagram of atelevision signal system generally designated 10. The television signalsystem 10 provides a television signal generally designated 11. Thetelevision signal 11 is representative of an analog television signaland/or a digital television signal. Moreover, the television signal 11represents at least one if not more television channels each televisionchannel or signal carrying a program or programming. In the belowdiscussion, the television signal 11 will be assumed to be a singletelevision channel, although as in the case of a digital televisionsignal, multiple television channels may be carried thereby.

The television signal 11 has an audio component 12. The audio componentcarries audio information or data for the television channel or programthereof for the reproduction of the audio. The form of the audiocomponent 12, according to one aspect thereof, is consistent withwhether the television signal 11 is an analog television signal or adigital television signal. According to another aspect thereof, theaudio component 12 may be provided in any scheme, format or the like,such as is known in the art.

The television signal 11 also has a video component 14. The videocomponent carries video information or data for the television channelor program thereof for the reproduction of the video. The form of thevideo component 14, according to one aspect thereof, is consistent withwhether the television signal 11 is an analog television signal or adigital television signal. According to another aspect thereof, thevideo component 14 may be provided in any scheme, format or the like,such as is known in the art.

The television signal 11 further has an auxiliary data or informationcomponent 16. The auxiliary data component 16 carries auxiliary datathat may or may not pertain to the television channel or program. Theform of the auxiliary data, according to one aspect thereof, isconsistent with whether the television signal 11 is an analog televisionsignal or a digital television signal. In the case of an analogtelevision signal, the auxiliary data may comprise data carried in thevertical blanking interval (VBI) such as is known in the art. Thisinformation includes, but is not limited to, closed caption data,teletext data, V-chip data (i.e. parental control or rating data for theparticular television program being carried by the television signal),extended data service (XDS) data, test data, and/or other information.In the case of a digital television signal, the auxiliary data isprovided as PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) informationor data. In addition to the same type of information contained in theVBI of an analog television signal, the PSIP information also includeswhat is known as an off-air guide. The off-air guide includes virtualchannel number, program title and other information that are used todisplay various information regarding a given program and channel. ThePSIP data also includes (within the off-air guide or not) ratinginformation for parental control. Regardless of the form thereof, theauxiliary data may provide other information and/or data notspecifically mentioned herein.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, a representation of the videocomponent 14 of the television signal 11 is illustrated. The videocomponent 14 includes a plurality of frames represented by frames 18 ₁,18 ₂ through 18 _(N), but which may be generally designated 18. Theplurality of frames 18 constitutes the video portion of a program which,when properly assembled and/or sequenced, is displayable on a display.Each frame 18 comprises two fields f1 and f2 each having a plurality oflines of information. While only one frame 18 ₁ is shown with the twofields f1 and f2, it should be appreciated that each frame 18 has thetwo fields. Depending on the type of television signal and/or the typeof television signal receiver, the frames and/or fields are processedaccordingly. The lines of information of each field contain video data,television control data, the auxiliary data (with respect to an analogtelevision signal), and other data such as is known in the art.

Referring back to the system 10 of FIG. 1, the television signal 11 isthen transmitted, as represented by the transmission box 20, to atelevision signal receiver (TSR) 22. Transmission 20 includestransmission over the air, via satellite, cable system and/or the like.Transmission 20 also includes re-transmission, including any manner inwhich the television signal 11 is distributed to the television signalreceiver 22. The television signal receiver 22 is typically a televisionsuch as is commonly known in the art, but may include a set-top box(e.g. a cable box or a satellite box), or other component that isoperative, adapted and/or configured to receive and process televisionsignals.

In FIG. 3, there is depicted a block diagram of an exemplary televisionsignal receiver 22 in accordance with the principles of the subjectinvention. Particularly, the television signal receiver 22 is operativeto receive the television signal 11 and process the television signal asprovided herein. It should initially be appreciated that the televisionsignal receiver 22 may or may not include an integral display 24. In thecase that the television signal receiver 22 does not include an integraldisplay 24, the television signal receiver 22 is connectable to adisplay 24. In both cases the display 24 is adapted, configured and/oroperative to display video as provided in a received television signal,processed by the television signal receiver 22, and outputted as a mainvideo signal. The television signal receiver 22 may therefore beembodied as various types of television signal processing systems, suchas a television (having an integral display), a set-top box (connectableto a display), satellite receiver (connectable to a display), or thelike such as is known in the art. Further, the television signalreceiver 22 may or may not have an integral speaker 25 that is adaptedto reproduce the audio component 12 of the television signal 11.

The television signal receiver 22 has an input 26 that is adapted,configured and/or operative to be connected to and thus receive thetelevision signal 11 and preferably a plurality of television signals(e.g. digital television (DTV) transport streams (TS) or signals and/oranalog television channels/signals). A tuner 28 is provided that isadapted, configured and/or operative to receive and tune a particulartelevision channel. The tuner 28 is operative, configured and/or adaptedto tune either digital and/or analog television signals as the case maybe. The tuner 28 may thus represent two tuners, one for digitaltelevision signals and the other for analog television signals. Ofcourse, other configurations may be used and are contemplated.

The television signal receiver 22 further includes television signalprocessing circuitry/logic, processor, processing means, or the like 30.While the television processing circuitry/logic is depicted as a singleblock or component, it should be appreciated that the televisionprocessing circuitry/logic 30 may be embodied as one or more integratedcircuits (ICs) with or without additional circuitry/logic. Thetelevision processing circuitry/logic 30 is adapted, configured and/oroperative to process analog and/or digital television signals, as thecase may be, in order to obtain the audio component 12 for soundreproduction, the video component 14 for display, and separate out theauxiliary information component 16. The television processingcircuitry/logic 30 is further adapted, configured and/or operative toperform the functionality as described herein in accordance with thepresent principles, and other television signal receiver tasks such asare typical and/or known in the art and to generally control, regulateand/or operate the components of the television signal receiver 22. Tothis end, the television processing circuitry/logic 30 is adapted,configured and/or operative to utilize programming (software), programinstructions 31 and/or the like that are stored in a memory 32. Theprogram instructions 31 may be written in any language that is, ofcourse, compatible with the television signal receiver 22. The memory 32may be RAM, ROM, or the like, and/or a combination of various types ofmemory as is appropriate. As such, the memory 32 is operative to storemore than just program instructions, such as television operatingpreferences, channel lists, user programmed station identifiers, and thelike.

In accordance with the principles of the subject invention, thetelevision signal processing circuitry/logic 30 is operative to providethe processed video component of the television signal to the display 24as a main video signal. The television signal processing circuitry/logic30 is also operative to provide the processed video component of thetelevision signal to an auxiliary output 42 as an auxiliary videosignal.

Moreover, the television signal receiver 22 includes a user input deviceand/or receiver 34. The user input device/receiver 34 is adapted,configured and/or operable to accept or receive input from a userregarding an aspect, feature and/or preference with regard to thetelevision signal receiver 22. In one form, the user inputdevice/receiver 34 may be a remote control (not shown) and associatedremote control receiver such as an IR transmitter/receiver. In anotherform, the user input device/receiver 34 may be a panel of buttons or thelike that allow user input. User input is accepted by the televisionsignal receiver 22 for various purposes such as in response to functionand/or feature choices provided as on-screen menu choices and/oroptions.

Still further, the television signal receiver 22 includes auxiliary dataprocessing circuitry/logic 36 that is operative, adapted and/orconfigured to receive the auxiliary data component 16 as separated outof or extracted from the television signal 11 by the television signalprocessing circuitry/logic 30, or as separated out of or extracted fromthe auxiliary data component 16 of the television signal 11 by theauxiliary data processing circuitry/logic 36, and process the auxiliarydata as appropriate for the type of content thereof. In one form, theauxiliary data processing circuitry/logic 36 is particularly operativeto extract closed caption data. It should be understood, however, thatthe auxiliary data processing circuitry/logic 36 is preferably operativeto extract other auxiliary data such as XDS, teletext, and the like.While the present invention will hereinafter be described in connectionwith closed caption data, it should be understood that the presentinvention applies equally to other types of auxiliary data.

The auxiliary data processing circuitry/logic 36 provides the extractedclosed caption data to a main display auxiliary data buffer 38. The maindisplay auxiliary data buffer 38 is operative, adapted and/or configuredto temporarily store the closed caption data and provide same to thedisplay 24 at the proper time and in the proper sequence. The maindisplay auxiliary data buffer 38 utilizes a vertical interrupt from themain video component for appropriately providing the closed caption datato the display 24 along with the main video signal.

The auxiliary data processing circuitry/logic 36 also provides theextracted closed caption data to an auxiliary output auxiliary databuffer 40. The auxiliary output auxiliary data buffer 40 is operative,adapted and/or configured to temporarily store the closed caption dataand provide same to the auxiliary output 42 at the proper time and inthe proper sequence. The auxiliary output auxiliary data buffer 40utilizes a vertical interrupt from the main video component forappropriately providing the closed caption data to the auxiliary output42 along with the auxiliary video signal.

It should be appreciated that the television signal receiver 22 alsoincludes other components not particularly shown and/or described hereinthat are typical of digital television signal receivers. Moreover, thetelevision signal receiver 22 is capable of many features and/orfunctions typical of current television signal receivers.

The television signal receiver 22 stores the program instructions 31 inthe memory 32 which are executable by the processing circuitry/logic 30for operation of the television signal receiver 22 and/or by the othercomponents for the operation thereof. In accordance with the principlesof the subject invention, the program instructions 31 provide forsynchronization of the auxiliary data to the auxiliary video outputsignal. This is accomplished by correlating the auxiliary video signalwith the main video signal. In one exemplary form, this is accomplishedusing a main video interrupt signal, (e.g. the VBI). Particularly, thismay be accomplished in one exemplary manner through the detection offield inversion between the main video signal and the auxiliary videosignal. More particularly, in one exemplary manner, the subjectinvention sends the extracted closed caption data to the auxiliaryoutput 42 using a vertical interrupt signal of the main video signalthat is preferably derived from or is the vertical sync or verticalblanking interval signal therefrom. Sometimes, the main and auxiliarydisplay field may not be the same because the clock frequency may differbetween the main and auxiliary signals. For example, the main display(main video signal) may have a frequency comprising one of 60 Hz, 59.94Hz, 30 Hz, and 29.97 Hz. For the main video signal this is 60 Hz or59.94 Hz for a progressive mode, and 30 Hz or 29.97 Hz for an interlacedmode. However, the auxiliary video signal is most likely to be in aninterlaced mode of 29.97 Hz. Thus, the program instructions 31 providefor checking or detecting whether field inversion exists between themain video signal (for the display 24) and the auxiliary video signal(for the auxiliary output 42). This appropriately provides thesynchronization of the auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalfor appropriately providing the closed captioning to the auxiliary videosignal output.

Particularly, the television signal receiver 22 detects or determineswhether field inversion exists between the main video signal and theauxiliary video signal during an interrupt routine. Since the closedcaption data occurs in between the fields, the interrupt routineutilizes a vertical sync or vertical blanking signal of the main videosignal as an interrupt that begins the routine. Further, the televisionsignal receiver 22 appropriately provides the closed caption data to theauxiliary output 42 based on the interrupt routine. In one form, thetelevision signal receiver utilizes an interrupt routine for checkingthe phase of the auxiliary display signal is (video signal) with respectto the main display signal (main video signal) using a main displayinterrupt. This routine is typically accomplished after a channel tune(channel change) has been initiated or a closed caption “ON” has beenrecognized by the television signal receiver 22. In another form, theroutine may be accomplished every time the vertical interrupt isencountered.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is depicted a flowchart, generallydesignated 100, for generally synchronizing auxiliary data from atelevision signal with an auxiliary video signal in a television signalreceiver in accordance with the principles of the subject invention. Inblock 102, the television signal receiver 22 receives a televisionsignal 11. The television signal 11 includes a video component 14 and anauxiliary data component 16. The television signal receiver 22thereafter, in block 104, processes the received television signal (i.e.the video component thereof) to obtain a main video signal and anauxiliary video signal. The main video signal is to be provided to thedisplay 24 of the television signal receiver in either a progressivemode or an interlace mode, and in one of the above-mentionedfrequencies. The auxiliary video signal is typically, but notnecessarily, to be provided to the auxiliary output of the televisionsignal receiver 22, typically in an interlaced mode according to one ofthe two frequencies mentioned above.

The television signal receiver, in block 106, processes the receivedtelevision signal (i.e. the auxiliary data component) to obtain orextract auxiliary data (e.g. closed caption). The closed caption datawill be provided to the main video signal for possible displaytherewith, and particularly with the auxiliary video signal for possibledisplay therewith. In block 108, the television signal receiver 22 thensynchronizes the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary videosignal in order to ensure that the auxiliary data will be displayablewith the auxiliary video signal and/or in a proper sequence therewith.Thereafter, in block 110, the television signal receiver 22 provides theauxiliary data synchronized with the auxiliary video signal to theauxiliary output thereof.

It should be appreciated that the routine or method described inconnection with the flowchart 100 of FIG. 4, is only exemplary of amanner of inserting and/or synchronizing auxiliary data with anauxiliary video signal. Other routines, methods, and/or versions thereofare possible and contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a flowchart, generallydesignated 50 for determining or detecting whether field inversion hasoccurred between the auxiliary video signal being outputted to theauxiliary output 42 of the television signal receiver 22 and the mainvideo signal of the television signal receiver 22 in accordance with anaspect of the subject invention, particularly in order to synchronizethe auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal. In block or step 52a vertical interrupt of the main video signal is obtained. In block 54,the television signal receiver 22 determines whether the interrupt isfor field 1. If the interrupt is for field 1 (represented by “Y” foryes), the routine 50 then skips to block 60. Because field 1 is alwayspresented before field 2, field 1 is a beginning point since the closedcaption data will also begin at field 1. In block 60, the routine 50gets field information from the auxiliary video signal. Thereafter, inblock 62, the routine 50 utilizes the auxiliary field informationobtained in block 60 to determine whether the main video signal and theauxiliary video signal are at the same field. The main video signal hasalready been determined to be at field 1 in block 54. If the main videosignal and the auxiliary video signal are determined to be at the samefield (represented by “Y” for yes), then the routine goes to block 66.Block 66 sets or maintain a field inversion mode of the televisionsignal receiver with respect to the auxiliary video signal to “OFF”.Thereafter, the routine proceeds to block 68, where the routine ends.If, in block 62, it is determined that the main video signal and theauxiliary video signal are not at the same field (represented by “N” forno), the routine proceeds to block 64. In block 64, the routine sets ormaintains the field inversion mode of the television signal receiverwith respect to the auxiliary video signal to “ON”. Thereafter, theroutine proceeds to block 68, where the routine ends.

In block 54, if it is determined that the interrupt obtained in block 52is not for field 1 (represented by “N” for no), the routine proceeds toblock 56. In block 56 the routine determines whether the televisionsignal receiver 22 (TSR) is in a progressive mode with respect to themain video signal. If it is determined in block 56 that the televisionsignal receiver 22 is not in the progressive mode (represented by “N”for no, indicating that the television signal receiver is in aninterlace mode), the routine proceeds to block 68 where the routineends. If, in block 56, it is determined that the television signalreceiver is in a progressive mode (represented by “Y” for yes), theroutine proceeds to block 58.

In block 58, the routine determines whether the current line number forthe main video signal is for field 1. If it is determined that thecurrent line number is not for field 1 (represented by “N” for no), theroutine proceeds to block 68 and ends. If it is determined that thecurrent line number is for field 1 (represented by “Y” for yes), theroutine proceeds to block 60. Block 60 and its following steps arediscussed above.

It can be understood from the flowchart 50 of FIG. 5, how the televisionsignal receiver 22, in one exemplary manner, detects whether theauxiliary video signal is at the same field as the main video signal forproviding the closed captioning. In this routine, the line numberinterrupt (such as at line number 4-5) can be provided as a verticalinterrupt so it is possible to obtain the field 1 interrupt through thisvertical interrupt even if the main display signal (main video signal)generating device is in the progressive mode rather than an interlacemode. Thus, that is the reason why the routine needs to check thecurrent line number. For detecting whether the main and auxiliary are atthe same field or not. It may also be desirable to control delay (e.g.add some hysteresis) for preventing a 1-2 temporal field inversion.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a flowchart, generallydesignated 70 of a routine for putting the closed caption data to theauxiliary buffer 40 for next fields in order to synchronize theextracted closed caption data with the auxiliary video signal. In block72, the routine for providing closed caption data out begins.Thereafter, in block 74 the television signal receiver determineswhether deinterlacing is being used and, if so, whether the fields areodd. If it is determined that deinterlacing is not used (represented by“N” for no), the routine proceeds to block 78. If it is determined thatdeinterlacing is used and the fields are odd (represented by “Y” foryes), the routine proceeds to block 76. In block 76 the output field isinversed. Thereafter, the routine proceeds to block 78.

In block 78, the routine determines whether the main display is in aprogressive mode. If the main display is determined to be in theprogressive mode (represented by “Y” for yes), the routine proceeds toblock 80 and the output field is inversed. The routine then proceeds toblock 82. In block 78, if the main display is determined to not be inthe progressive mode (represented by “N” for no), the routine proceedsto block 82.

In block 82, the television signal receiver determines whether the fieldinversion mode is “ON” (as set by the routine 50 of FIG. 4). If thefield inversion mode is “ON” (represented by “Y” for yes), the routineproceeds to block 84. In block 84, the television signal receiverinverses the output field. Thereafter, the routine proceeds to block 86.If television signal receiver 22 determines in block 82 that the fieldinversion mode is not “ON” (represented by “N” for no), the routineproceeds to block 86. At block 86, the routine then puts the closedcaption data to the auxiliary output. Thereafter, the routine ends inblock 88.

It can be understood from the flowchart 70 of FIG. 6, how the televisionsignal receiver 22, in one exemplary manner, may place closed captiondata at the correct field. For a system including a deinterlacer, it isnecessary to invert the field information once because the system willcause a one field delay if the deinterlacer is working. For aprogressive mode on the main video signal, it is necessary to invert thefield information once, because there will be a one field delay for thiscase. Also, it is possible to use the field inversion information thatcomes from the routine 50 of FIG. 5. Therefore, a system as describedherein makes it possible to put the closed caption data at the correctfield if the cases identified herein are checked as described above.

It should be appreciated that a method in accordance with the principlesof the subject invention may contain more steps than described inconjunction with the flowcharts 100, 50 and 70 of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6and/or different or modified steps than that described. As well, othermanners of detecting or determining field inversion and appropriatelyproviding closed caption (auxiliary data) to the auxiliary output arecontemplated and expected.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, of adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. In a television signal processing system, a method of insertingauxiliary data into an auxiliary video output signal comprising:receiving a television signal having a video component and an auxiliarydata component; processing the television signal to obtain a main videosignal and an auxiliary video signal from the video component;processing the television signal to extract auxiliary data from theauxiliary data component; synchronizing the extracted auxiliary datawith the auxiliary video signal utilizing the main video signal; andoutputting the synchronized auxiliary data with the auxiliary videosignal to an auxiliary output of the television signal processingsystem.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein processing the televisionsignal to extract auxiliary data from the auxiliary data componentincludes extracting auxiliary data comprising closed caption data. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein: receiving a television signal having avideo component and an auxiliary data component includes receiving atelevision signal having a video component comprising a plurality offrames with each frame having first and second fields; processing thetelevision signal to obtain a main video signal and an auxiliary videosignal from the video component includes obtaining a main video signalhaving a plurality of frames with each frame having first and secondfields, and obtaining an auxiliary video signal having a plurality offrames with each frame having first and second fields; and whereinsynchronizing the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary videosignal utilizing the main video signal includes determining if fieldinversion exists between the frames of the auxiliary video signal andthe frames of the main video signal.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinsynchronizing the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary videosignal utilizing the main video signal includes inverting fields of theframes of the auxiliary video signal if it is determined that fieldinversion exists between the main video signal and the auxiliary videosignal.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein synchronizing the extractedauxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizing the main videosignal includes inversing an output field of a frame of the auxiliaryvideo signal if a deinterlacer is used.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein synchronizing the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliaryvideo signal utilizing the main video signal includes utilizing avertical interrupt signal derived from a vertical blanking interval ofthe main video signal.
 7. A television signal processing systemcomprising: a signal processor; a television signal tuner coupled tosaid signal processor; auxiliary data processing circuitry coupled tosaid signal processor; an auxiliary video signal output coupled to saidsignal processor; and memory coupled to the signal processor andcontaining program instructions which, when executed by the signalprocessor, causes the television signal processing system to: receive atelevision signal shaving a video component and an auxiliary datacomponent via said tuner; obtain a main video signal and an auxiliaryvideo signal from the video component of the received television signal;extract auxiliary data from the auxiliary data component of the receivedtelevision signal via said auxiliary data processing circuitry;synchronize the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalutilizing the main video signal; and output the synchronized auxiliarydata with the auxiliary video signal to said auxiliary output.
 8. Thetelevision signal processing system of claim 7, wherein said memory hasfurther program instructions which, when executed by said signalprocessor, causes the television signal processing system to process thereceived television signal to extract auxiliary data from the auxiliarydata component via said auxiliary data that comprises closed captiondata.
 9. The television signal processing system of claim 7, whereinsaid memory has further program instructions which, when executed bysaid signal processor, causes the television signal processing systemto: receive, a said tuner, a television signal having a video componentand an auxiliary data component wherein the video component has aplurality of frames with each frame having first and second fields;process, via the signal processor, the television signal to obtain amain video signal and an auxiliary video signal from the video componentwherein the main video signal has a plurality of frames with each framehaving first and second fields, and the auxiliary video signal has aplurality of frames with each frame having first and second fields; andsynchronize the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalutilizing the main video signal including determining if field inversionexists between the frames of the auxiliary video signal and the framesof the main video signal.
 10. The television signal processing system ofclaim 9, wherein said memory has further program instructions which,when executed by said television signal processing circuitry, causes thetelevision signal processing system to synchronize the extractedauxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizing the main videosignal including inverting fields of the frames of the auxiliary videosignal if it is determined that field inversion exists between the mainvideo signal and the auxiliary video signal.
 11. The television signalprocessing system of claim 10, wherein said memory has further programinstructions which, when executed by said television signal processingcircuitry, causes the television signal processing system to synchronizethe extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizingthe main video signal including inversing an output field of a frame ofthe auxiliary video signal if a deinterlacer is used.
 12. The televisionsignal processing system of claim 7, wherein said memory has furtherprogram instructions which, when executed by said television signalprocessing circuitry, causes the television signal processing system tosynchronize the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalutilizing the main video signal including utilizing a vertical interruptsignal derived from a vertical blanking interval of the main videosignal.
 13. A television signal receiver comprising: means forprocessing a television signal; means, coupled to said means forprocessing a television signal, for tuning a television signal; means,coupled to said means for processing a television signal, for processingauxiliary data; auxiliary video signal output means, coupled to saidmeans for processing a television signal; and memory means coupled tosaid means for processing a television signal and containing programinstructions which, when executed by said means for processing atelevision signal, causes the television signal receiver to: receive atelevision signal having a video component and an auxiliary datacomponent via said tuner; obtain a main video signal and an auxiliaryvideo signal from the video component of the received television signal;extract auxiliary data from the auxiliary data component of the receivedtelevision signal via said auxiliary data processing circuitry;synchronize the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalutilizing the main video signal; and output the synchronized auxiliarydata with the auxiliary video signal to said auxiliary output.
 14. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 13, wherein said memory means hasfurther program instructions which, when executed by said means forprocessing a television signal, causes the television signal receiver toprocess the received television signal to extract auxiliary data fromthe auxiliary data component via said auxiliary data that comprisesclosed caption data.
 15. The television signal receiver of claim 13,wherein said memory means has further program instructions which, whenexecuted by said means for processing a television signal, causes thetelevision signal receiver to: receive, via said means for tuning, atelevision signal having a video component and an auxiliary datacomponent wherein the video component has a plurality of frames witheach frame having first and second fields; process, via said means forprocessing a television signal, the television signal to obtain a mainvideo signal and an auxiliary video signal from the video componentwherein the main video signal has a plurality of frames with each framehaving first and second fields, and the auxiliary video signal has aplurality of frames with each frame having first and second fields; andsynchronize the extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signalutilizing the main video signal including determining if field inversionexists between the frames of the auxiliary video signal and the framesof the main video signal.
 16. The television signal receiver of claim15, wherein said memory means 3 has further program instructions which,when executed by said means for processing a television signal, causesthe television signal receiver to synchronize the extracted auxiliarydata with the auxiliary video signal utilizing the main video signalincluding inverting fields of the frames of the auxiliary video signalif it is determined that field inversion exists between the main videosignal and the auxiliary video signal.
 17. The television signalreceiver of claim 16, wherein said memory means has further programinstructions which, when executed by said means for processing atelevision signal, causes the television signal receiver to synchronizethe extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizingthe main video signal including inversing an output field of a frame ofthe auxiliary video signal if a deinterlacer is used.
 18. The televisionsignal receiver of claim 13, wherein said memory means has furtherprogram instructions which, when executed by said means for processing atelevision signal, causes the television signal receiver to synchronizethe extracted auxiliary data with the auxiliary video signal utilizingthe main video signal including utilizing a vertical interrupt signalderived from a vertical blanking interval of the main video signal.